The bagpipes will be blaring and the heels will be kicking with the return of the 76th annual Highland Games on May 24-25.

Hosted by the United Scottish Society (USS) of Southern California, the annual event returns to the OC Fair & Event Center with two days of dancing, music, entertainment, food and other highlights of the Scottish and Celtic cultures.

"The upgrades that have been made and those that are planned make the facility a great fit for our event," Tom Reoch of the USS said about the event's return to OCFEC.

Improvements on the layout of the grounds, updating of landscaping and upgrading of facilities were a few of the specific reasons USS listed on their choice to return.

For their return to Orange County, the Highland Games will have the only Grade I (Professional) Pipe Band contest in Southern California, which will have a premier pipe band from Canada vying for the top award. There will also be a children's pipe band from Canada, the Robert Malcolm Memorial.

Ultimately, there will be over 20 pipe bands coming together for the Memorial Day weekend event to make up the largest pipe band contest and mass band performance in Southern California.

As a tribute to the Memorial Day holiday and the men and women in the armed forces, the USS is offering free admission to any military personnel dressed in uniform and with a valid military ID. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Pre-sale admission varies from $3-$22 and admission at the gates varies from $3-$25. One- or two-day passes are available. Children 4 and under are free both days. Pre-sale admission is only available through Ticketmaster.